
Sauna bathing has been practiced for centuries, especially in the Nordic countries. It is a way to relax, detoxify, and rejuvenate the mind and the body. But, beyond traditional beliefs and benefits of sauna bathing, modern science and research are uncovering the powerful health benefits of regular sauna use. Who would have thought, a leisure activity, such as sauna bathing, could work in favour of our health? It is linked with reduced stress, improved circulation, and even heart and brain health.As the world continues to advance, and so does medical science, sauna therapy is emerging as a potential and promising lifestyle habit for enhancing both physical and mental well-being.
What is sauna bathing

A simple act of sitting in a hot, dry room to relax and sweat. It is a traditional practice that started in Finland, where people have been using saunas for centuries. The temperature is usually around 70 degrees to 100 degrees Celsius, with very low humidity.According to UCLA Health, sauna bathing can offer other benefits such as:
- Arthritis
- Chronic fatigue
- Cold symptoms
- Muscle soreness
- Psoriasis
- Stress
Study

Most sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) occur in the general population, and most SCDs occur outside the hospital with few or no early warning signs. In the United States, someone experiences a heart attack approximately every 40 seconds; that’s strangely common.Around the world, 19.8 million people die from cardiovascular diseases (2022), which is 32% deaths of all deaths globally.Researchers in Finland conducted a long-term study to explore how sauna bathing relates to CVD mortality in both men and women. They followed around 1,688 individuals aged 53-74 years for over a period of 15 years.
Key findings
Compared to those using sauna once a week, participants who used sauna 2-3 times weekly had a 29% lower risk of dying from CVD, and those who went about 4-7 times had about 70% less risk of CVD (Cardiovascular disease). After making a few minor changes in the participant’s lifestyle patterns, the results shot up to 77% lower CVD mortality risk.
How much time did the participants spend in the sauna

Spending over 45 minutes per week in a sauna was associated with a 43-51% reduction in CVD, compared to those who only spent about 15 minutes there.
How does a sauna help
- Regular sessions of sauna have shown a reduction in high BP, which is a major risk factor for heart attack.
- Regular heat exposure helps the body relax and reduce stress hormones, which lowers the inflammation in the heart
- The heat from the sauna causes blood vessels to dilate (expand), which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. This helps the heart work more efficiently and lowers strain.
Why it matters
Beyond relaxation: This study reinforces that regular use of a sauna is aimed at relaxation.Smart health monitoring: Knowing a person’s sauna routine could help doctors create better, more personalised risk assessments for heart-related ailmentsInclusive findings: While earlier studies focused mostly on men, this research confirms that these benefits extend to women, too.